Meet Heather Coggins | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Coggins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My journey into starting a business was quite unexpected. Initially, I simply wanted to revisit an old passion I had for painting, a joy I had set aside while raising two kids and juggling multiple jobs. When I started painting again, I specifically wanted to paint dogs. The overwhelmingly positive response from fellow dog lovers was both surprising and inspiring. This spontaneous appreciation sparked the growth of my venture into dog-themed art and dog portrait commissions.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The path to establishing myself as an artist was both winding and unpredictable. While it appears that I drew my first dog portrait of my beagle, Jamie, in 1978 (see pic), I originally pursued a career as an educator. For 22 years, I worked in secondary education, but the post-Covid landscape brought significant changes. Shifts in administration and parental attitudes, coupled with the increasing influence of technology, left me feeling deeply exhausted. Amid this fatigue, my three dogs became my solace. I realized I wasn’t alone in this feeling; many people who adopted dogs during Covid found similar comfort in their furry companions. This realization inspired me to rekindle my long-neglected passion for painting, focusing on celebrating our beloved dogs.

The essence of my art is to foster a deeper connection between people and animals, highlighting qualities such as genuineness, empathy, kindness, and loyalty. I believe animals, especially dogs, embody traits that we can all aspire to—serving as beacons of empathy, loyalty, and wisdom. Through my work, I aim to remind people of the invaluable lessons dogs can teach us.

Every painting I create is a tribute to the profound bond between humans and their canine companions. Given the brevity of dogs’ lives, I believe they deserve to be cherished and celebrated for the immense joy and unwavering loyalty they bring into our lives. I try to capture their essence, their attitude, and their personalities in my paintings.

My creative journey hasn’t been easy, but the challenges have taught me resilience and the importance of following one’s passion. What I want the world to know about my art and my story is that it’s driven by a genuine love for dogs and a desire to honor the unique relationship we share with them. Through my paintings, I hope to inspire others to appreciate and celebrate their pets, fostering a world filled with more empathy and kindness.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ooof. This is a tough one. Charleston has so much to offer! Here are my picks:

• Lunch or dinner at Fast and French (Gaulart & Maliclet Café Restaurant): Enjoy a cozy, casual dining experience with French-inspired dishes; after lunch wander the small shops and art galleries on Broad Street.

• Explore Redux Contemporary Art Center: Check out the open studios and engage with local artists at Redux.

• The Farmer’s Market at Marion Square: Browse fresh produce, local crafts, and enjoy live music.

• Drinks at The Gin Joint: Sip on expertly crafted cocktails in a cozy, intimate setting.

• Head to Folly Beach: Spend the morning relaxing by the ocean and exploring the laid-back vibe of Folly Beach.

• Stop at Baguette Magic on the way to Folly – get chocolate croissants and avocado toast!

• Dinner at Folly at Jack of Cups Saloon: Enjoy unique, globally-inspired dishes in a quirky, beachside setting.

• Head out to John’s Island to visit Angel Oak.

• On the way back, stop in at Seanachai Whiskey and Cocktail Bar for unbelievable food and cocktails (have to try their house-made tonic!) and enjoy the fantastic ambiance (there are no TVs here) and friendly staff.

• Catch a Deck Show at The Pour House: Experience live music at one of Charleston’s iconic venues.

• Visit the Gibbes Museum of Art: Explore the rich collection of American art with a focus on Charleston and the South.

• Picnic at Demetre Waterfront Park on James Island: Relax and enjoy the views of the Charleston Harbor.

• Thrifters & Drifters Market: Hunt for vintage treasures and unique finds at this eclectic market.

• James Island County Dog Park: Enjoy the beautiful trails and let our furry friends enjoy some off-leash fun in this spacious park.
• Explore King Street: Spend the afternoon shopping and exploring the vibrant shops and boutiques.

• Farewell Dinner at Brasserie La Banque: End the trip with delicious wine and food!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a heartfelt shout-out to my husband, Jimmy Landry. His unwavering encouragement has been instrumental in my journey, even when pursuing my passions seemed impractical or inconvenient. He’s helped me haul my art prints to markets and helped me take down my vendor tent in the pouring rain. He’s indulged my desire to go to the art museum in every country we’ve ever visited and accompanied me to countless galleries, and open studio events. As an artist himself—a musician—he understands the irresistible pull of creative inspiration and the necessity of following it wherever it leads.

Our mutual support for each other’s artistic endeavors has been a cornerstone of our relationship. As he heads to band practice, I eagerly go to my studio, ready to experiment with new paint. We give each other the space and encouragement needed to thrive creatively, making our bond stronger and our artistic pursuits more fulfilling.

Website: https://www.heathercoggins.com

Instagram: @heathercogginsartist

Image Credits
Heather Coggins